The definition of toughness has changed a lot over the years, but this team certainly fits both meanings. Top to bottom, they can hit, take a hit, skate, fight, and maintain a presence on the line that separates clean from dirty. I love the makeup right now.

That 4 minute stretch in the 1st yesterday where the canadiens couldn't get into the offensive zone let alone clear the puck. That was beautiful playoff hockey. Every single Penguin finished every check. Even greater yet was the fans understanding what was going on and cheering louder and louder.

What I meant was compared with the rest of the league as well, sorry. Yes that Pens team was tough but it was a different era of hockey where enforcers were the norm. There were a few teams as tough as the Pens back then but today I can't think of a team in the league right now prepared to battle the Pens in a 7 game series...Boston maybe.

Steve Dave wrote:What I meant was compared with the rest of the league as well, sorry. Yes that Pens team was tough but it was a different era of hockey where enforcers were the norm. There were a few teams as tough as the Pens back then but today I can't think of a team in the league right now prepared to battle the Pens in a 7 game series...Boston maybe.

Oh, no prob! In the East, I do not think there is a comparable. Boston is close, but the Pens won both the Morrow and Iginla trades over them and they "settled", if you can call it that, for Jagr. I think, due to that fact, the Pens became a lot tougher to play against. And, the Pens are doing it without their 3 top forwards and 2nd best defenseman right now. Boston seems to have struggled when their best (Bergeron, Marchant, etc.) get injured.

In the West, only Chicago makes me nervous as they are nearly as deep and skilled as the Pens. Anaheim, maybe on the toughness scale.

The Pens are proving to be a juggernaut right now. I hope it continues to translate to playoff success.

Steve Dave wrote:What I meant was compared with the rest of the league as well, sorry. Yes that Pens team was tough but it was a different era of hockey where enforcers were the norm. There were a few teams as tough as the Pens back then but today I can't think of a team in the league right now prepared to battle the Pens in a 7 game series...Boston maybe.

Oh, no prob! In the East, I do not think there is a comparable. Boston is close, but the Pens won both the Morrow and Iginla trades over them and they "settled", if you can call it that, for Jagr. I think, due to that fact, the Pens became a lot tougher to play against. And, the Pens are doing it without their 3 top forwards and 2nd best defenseman right now. Boston seems to have struggled when their best (Bergeron, Marchant, etc.) get injured.

In the West, only Chicago makes me nervous as they are nearly as deep and skilled as the Pens. Anaheim, maybe on the toughness scale.

The Pens are proving to be a juggernaut right now. I hope it continues to translate to playoff success.

you left Sid off the list, why? just because he isnt fighting all the time doesnt mean he isnt tough. he has no fear going into he corners, and uses his physical strength to out-muscle people and keep the puck every game. he doesnt shy away from much of anything between the whistles, so just because he's an offensive powerhouse doesnt mean hes the goal scoring shooter that pulls away when there might be contact.

Kaizer wrote:you left Sid off the list, why? just because he isnt fighting all the time doesnt mean he isnt tough. he has no fear going into he corners, and uses his physical strength to out-muscle people and keep the puck every game. he doesnt shy away from much of anything between the whistles, so just because he's an offensive powerhouse doesnt mean hes the goal scoring shooter that pulls away when there might be contact.